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Incident
Patrolman Joseph Dennis was shot and killed after responding to a report that a man had shot and killed his wife at a farmhouse approximately one and a half miles west of town. While he and other officers approached the residence the suspect opened fire with a shotgun, fatally wounding Patrolman Dennis. Other officers stormed the house and fatally wounded the suspect. Patrolman Dennis had only been with the agency for five months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and 2-month-old son.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Dennis served with the South Hill Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the South Hill community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Dennis.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Joseph is the only officer of South Hill Police Department remembered here.
Joseph is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 remembered there.
Joseph is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Joseph is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1953, 1 officer in VA was killed feloniously, the 92nd heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 10.
In 1953, 72 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 98th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1953, 72 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 104th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Joseph was 27. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. Joseph had served 0.4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Joseph was 27. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Joseph had served 0.4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Joseph was 27. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Joseph had served 0.4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 9.2% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 10.4%. Sundays: 18.6%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at South Hill Police Department. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 9.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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